Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. The suit, filed on Tuesday, also names Akpabio’s senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, as a co-defendant.
Through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan cited a Facebook post made by Patrick, allegedly at Akpabio’s prompting, titled “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?”
The post included statements suggesting that the senator believed being a lawmaker was about applying makeup and wearing transparent outfits to the Senate Chambers. Giwa argued that these remarks were defamatory, demeaning, and damaging to her reputation among colleagues and the public.
The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the statements made by the defendants were intended to tarnish Akpoti-Uduaghan’s image and incite public disapproval. She is asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction preventing Akpabio, Patrick, or their associates from making or sharing similar defamatory statements against her on any platform. Additionally, she is demanding ₦100 billion in damages and ₦300 million to cover litigation costs.
The legal action follows a recent dispute in the Senate after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned during a chamber reshuffle. She strongly opposed the move, leading to a confrontation with Akpabio.
In response, the Senate President referred her case to the Senate Disciplinary Committee. Announcing the decision on the Senate floor, Akpabio stated that the matter had been handed over to the Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions Committee for further review.